SIBU: Four men have been arrested at a premises here after they tried to smuggle 883kg of bird’s nests worth RM2.5mil.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said the suspects were detained during a joint operation under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah involving the SFC Sibu team and Marine Police Force of Zone 5 on May 3.

"Initial investigation showed that the bird's nests were exported without a permit from the Wildlife Controller. All suspects were arrested at the premises," it said in a Facebook post on Friday (May 5).

A total of 882.657kg of bird's nests, worth approximately RM2.5mil were seized in the operation.

Four bird’s nest premises were also inspected and found to have committed several offences, such as operating without a licence and purchasing from illegal sources.

The four suspects were detained for further investigation.

"The operation was a success in combating illegal activities on bird’s nests' trade. We will continue to conduct the operations to combat illegal activities on wildlife trade in the state," SFC added.

Those with information on illegal wildlife activities are urged to call SFC hotlines at Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8332737), or Miri (019-8290994).